Blake Bell returns against some stiff competition for KC Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are setting themselves up for another tough preseason of competition at the tight end part of the roster with the addition of veteran Blake Bell back in the mix for another year.

The Chiefs announced the re-signing of Bell on Thursday as part of a host of veteran returnees.

Bell has been a most welcome face for the Chiefs at the position as a solid blocker—certainly the best of the bunch—along with the occasional Belldozer when trying for a short gain. The Chiefs watched him leave the team in 2020 for the Dallas Cowboys only to see him return on a one-year deal last spring at this time for a reunion. Now the Chiefs are bringing him back again.

Blake Bell is back against some stiff competition at tight end.

That said, just because the Chiefs are re-signing Bell doesn’t mean his spot is necessarily secure on the active roster once the season begins. Noah Gray was the team’s fifth-round pick in last spring’s draft and he holds solid potential as a pass catcher and route-runner. Jody Fortson is a dynamic end zone threat and a bigger physical player who could grow into the blocker that Bell is.

The Cheifs have also added several other tight end prospects to the point where it’s almost laughable—from Mark Vital to Matt Bushman to Jordan Franks to Josh Pederson to Nakia Griffin-Stewart.

Bell appeared in 16 games last season for the Chiefs and caught 9 of 13 targets thrown his way for 87 yards. He also rushed 4 times for 4 first downs.